England English Football 2025/26 - Premier League, Championship & lower leagues discussion

[Betting Forum]

We are trying something new for this season.

Instead of opening a new thread every week, all English football discussion for the 2025/26 season – Premier League, Championship, League One, League Two and lower leagues – will go in this single thread. We are starting it midway through the season so that everything from now on stays in one place and is easier to follow.

Why one main thread​

• all pre match talk, live reactions and post match analysis stay together
• you can scroll back and see how lines and opinions changed during the season
• we avoid dozens of tiny threads that die after a few days
• new members immediately see where the action is

What belongs here​

Use this thread for anything related to the current English football season (top flight and lower leagues):

• thoughts on upcoming rounds and fixtures across all divisions
• betting ideas, angles and odds discussion
• live reactions during matches
• post match takeaways and lessons
• news that seriously affect teams or lines

If you post about a match, start with the fixture and competition, for example:
Liverpool - Arsenal, Saturday (Premier League)
Leeds - Sunderland, Friday (Championship)

What does not belong here​

• off topic arguments not related to football or betting
• technical questions about accounts, deposits, support and so on

How we will use this by season​

We will keep one main English Football thread per season. At the end of 2025/26 this thread will be closed and a new one will be opened for 2026/27. For now, use this thread for everything English football 2025/26 from this point on. Let us see how it works in practice.

 

[Betting Forum]

Participate in the Vbookie Premier League betting. All for fun of course. Odds are from pinnacle.

Settled Event 'Fulham - Manchester City'

• Betting Forum
• Event closes Tuesday at 7:30 PM
• Views: 57
• Comments: 1

Outcomes

3

Wagers

8

Staked

$35.00

Paid out

$16.22

Settled Event 'Bournemouth - Everton'

• Betting Forum
• Event closes Tuesday at 7:30 PM
• Views: 31

Outcomes

3

Wagers

3

Staked

$35.00

Paid out

$27.30

Settled Event 'Newcastle United - Tottenham Hotspur'

• Betting Forum
• Event closes Tuesday at 8:15 PM
• Views: 27

Outcomes

3

Wagers

1

Staked

$6.00

Paid out

$18.72

Settled Event 'Arsenal - Brentford'

• Betting Forum
• Event closes Yesterday at 7:30 PM
• Views: 41

Outcomes

3

Wagers

4

Staked

$123.00

Paid out

$35.41

Settled Event 'Wolverhampton - Nottingham Forest'

• Betting Forum
• Event closes Yesterday at 7:30 PM
• Views: 28

Outcomes

3

Wagers

0

Staked

$0.00

Paid out

$0.00

Settled Event 'Brighton - Aston Villa'

• Betting Forum
• Event closes Yesterday at 7:30 PM
• Views: 28

Outcomes

3

Wagers

0

Staked

$0.00

Paid out

$0.00

Settled Event 'Burnley - Crystal Palace'

• Betting Forum
• Event closes Yesterday at 7:30 PM
• Views: 27

Outcomes

3

Wagers

0

Staked

$0.00

Paid out

$0.00

Settled Event 'Liverpool - Sunderland'

• Betting Forum
• Event closes Yesterday at 8:15 PM
• Views: 28

Outcomes

3

Wagers

1

Staked

$50.00

Paid out

$0.00

Settled Event 'Leeds United - Chelsea'

• Betting Forum
• Event closes Yesterday at 8:15 PM
• Views: 20

Outcomes

3

Wagers

0

Staked

$0.00

Paid out

$0.00

 

[Betting Forum]

Well, I already staked 10$ on Manchester city. Lets hope they do not fuck it.
That being said, if your Virtual money goes to 0. You will receive help, 10$ to start again. If you lose it again, you need to wait 2 days before you receive another help, so be wise. You are given 200$ upon registration. Bet 1-2% of your bankroll like in real world. Let your Virtual cash show that you are a great bettor.

 

[DublinDegen]

Bournemouth - Everton this wednesday and honestly lads this one screams chaos to me in the best possible way.

Bournemouth have been fun, aggressive, a bit reckless, the kind of team that can look like top six material for 20 minutes then suddenly forget how to defend a back post cross. Everton on the other hand have that weird habit of being either stubborn as granite or leaking goals like a broken tap depending on which version shows up. No middle ground at all.

If Bournemouth push the tempo like they usually do at home, I reckon they can pull Everton all over the place. Solanke has been in that mood lately where he looks like he fancies a goal every match and Everton have given away enough silly chances recently to make me think there will be opportunities.

My gut says Bournemouth edge it, maybe 2-1, maybe a late scare or a daft VAR check just to make us sweat. Everton can definitely spoil the party but if Bournemouth get on the front foot early I think they carry it.

I will stick 20$ on Bournemouth in VBookie because I like living dangerously and I enjoy the panic of a narrow lead more than a sensible bet ever should.

Up the cherries, let the suffering commence.

 

[DublinDegen]

right newcastle united - tottenham hotspur on 3rd december is one of those games that always feels like it’s going to be pure chaos even when you tell yourself you’ll watch it calmly like a normal adult

you’ve got newcastle at home energy where the crowd turns every throw-in into a life-or-death situation, and spurs who can look like prime barcelona for 20 minutes and then concede something that makes you stare at the wall like you’ve just watched a magic trick go wrong

the big thing for me is pace and transitions. both sides can be brilliant when the game gets stretched, which basically means the first team that gets frustrated and starts forcing it is the first team that’s going to get punched in the mouth. if this turns into end-to-end basketball football, it suits spurs when it’s clicking, but it also suits newcastle because they love a scrap and they love arriving in the box like it’s a stampede

spurs in these matches always have the same danger. when they move it quick through midfield and suddenly there’s runners everywhere, you blink and they’re in behind. but the flip side is they can leave gaps that you could park a double decker in, and newcastle are exactly the kind of team that will actually drive the bus straight into those spaces instead of politely ignoring them

newcastle’s job is simple in theory, horrible in practice. make it uncomfortable. win second balls. keep spurs facing their own goal more than they want to. and once you get the crowd going, you can feel spurs start doing that thing where they try to play through pressure just because they’re stubborn about it, and then one bad touch becomes a chance at the other end

but if newcastle come out too hot and over-commit, spurs will absolutely cook them on the break. this is why i think the first 15 minutes matters more than people admit. if it’s frantic early, we’re in for a “both teams look dangerous” type of night. if it’s cagey and you see more recycling the ball, then it becomes about who blinks first and who takes their chances

as for what i’m expecting, i can see goals. not because it’s guaranteed or anything, just because these two can both create and both have moments where defending looks like an optional side quest. and i’m not even trying to be funny here, i just don’t trust either to keep the lid on for 90 minutes if the game opens up

score vibe in my head is something like 2-1 either way or a 2-2 that leaves everyone arguing about tactics and “game management” like any of us actually have game management in our own lives

anyone got a strong read on how spurs handle the atmosphere here, because every time i watch them in places like this it feels like the match is trying to drag them into a street fight and they’re deciding whether to swing back or keep playing pretty passes out of stubbornness

 

[spkutano]

Liverpool vs Sunderland Preview (Wednesday) Premier League:

Possible starting lineups:

Liverpool:
Alisson; Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Isak

Sunderland:
Roefs; Mukiele, Geertruida, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Le Fee; Traore, Brobbey

Liverpool fans were expecting another successful season from their club. The way they were thinking was simple - Liverpool are the reigning champions and Liverpool invested more than 400 GBP during the summer. And just like that, Arne Slot's side recorded five victories in the opening five rounds of the Premier League. One of these victories was obtain against Arsenal and everything looked perfect for the Reds. Some pundits warned Slot about the defensive weaknesses, like Jamie Carragher personally, but nobody took them seriously. The catastrophe started at Selhurst Park, when Liverpool lost 2:1 to Crystal Palace. Five more league defeats in the next six weeks put Slot under heavy pressure, as well as Carabao Cup elimination and two defeats in the Champions League. Last weekend brought some hope when the Reds won 2:0 against West Ham. To be better, Isak scored his first goal in the Premier League, while Wirtz was named "Player of the Match". With Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong out injured, Slot has a decision to make about right-back position. Two games in just three days could be too much for Joe Gomez.

Sunderland are sharing the fifth place on the table with Brighton, something that nobody was expecting, considering they are newcomers in the Premier League. Even their own fans. But six wins, four draws and just three defeats in the opening 13 rounds should be respected. Manager Regis Le Bris is doing a fantastic job and the fans are satisfied. Some of them start dreaming about the Champions League football for the next season. It won't be easy at all, though nothing is impossible. The confidence is high, even more after the last round. Le Bris and his players wrote a club history last weekend, as for the first time ever, Sunderland came back from 2:0 down to win a Premier League game. Bournemouth scored twice at the Stadium of Light, but responses from Enzo Le Fee, Bertrand Traore and substitute Brian Brobbey completed a huge comeback. I believe the atmosphere in the squad is very good at the moment. Le Bris has the majority of his players available for the trip to Anfield, only Aji Alese and Habib Diarra are out injured.

Liverpool vs Sunderland Prediction:

Liverpool are favorites, but Sunderland are heavily underestimated. The Black Cats are able to upset even the big names. Let me remind You, Sunderland beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, while drew with Arsenal and Aston Villa. The players confidence is very high and they won't be afraid at Anfield. Usually this is a venue no opponents' player want to feature, but right now is different. Liverpool lost 3:0 to Nottingham and lost 4:1 to PSV on the last two matches at Anfield. Sunderland boss Le Bris surely noticed the defensive weaknesses of Liverpool.To conceded seven goals on the last two home matches across all competitions is simply unacceptable for the fans. Looking the fans leaving Anfield before the final whistle was very rare situation in the past, but not anymore. As conclusion, I think Sunderland won't lose high at Anfield.

Liverpool vs Sunderland Pick: Sunderland +1.5 AH @ 1.85 with Pinnacle

 

[spkutano]

Leeds United vs Chelsea Preview (Wednesday) Premier League:

Possible starting lineups:

Leeds United:
Perri; Rodon, Struijk, Bijol; Bogle, Gruev, Ampadu, Tanaka, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha

Chelsea:i
Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Santos, Fernandez; Estevao, Pedro, Neto; Delap

Leeds United have collect 11 points after the first 13 rounds and they sit third from the bottom, on the 18th place. The Whites are deeply involved into the relegation battle and the points from the upcoming matches are very important. But something else is a bug problem, the current form. Leeds are in series of four consecutive defeats. Some of them could be somehow swallowed, like the last defeat. Leeds lost 3:2 to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The way they played was fantastic, Leeds appeared to have pulled off a stunning comeback from two goals down, but Guardiola's men secured the victory through Phil Foden in the first minute of injury time. As I wrote above, that was the fourth defeat in row for Leeds. Previously they lost to Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. Manager Farke has mixed news from the medical department. Sean Longstaff will miss the remainder of 2025 with a calf injury, while defender James Justin is rated as doubtful.

Chelsea are maybe the biggest surprise in the Premier League. They are third on the table, six points behind the league leaders Arsenal. Interesting, the Blues faced Arsenal three days ago, but failed to cut the difference. At the end, the points were shared and the distance remained the same. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was satisfied with a point from Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was equally happy considering Moises Caicedo's sending-off. He will skip this match due to suspension and his absence is definitely a big handicap having on mind Romeo Lavia is missing through injury. As a result, Andrey Santos can expect to partner Enzo Fernandez in the engine room, with Cole Palmer ready to start from the first minute. Levi Colwill and Mykhaylo Mudryk remain out due to knee injury and suspension respectively. Finally, Dario Essugo is back in full training after a thigh operation, but this match come too soon for him.

Leeds United vs Chelsea Prediction:

Leeds United have collect 11 points and they are in the relegation zone. The current form is awful, Leeds are in series of four consecutive defeats. Manager Farke is under big pressure, as well as the players. On contrary, Chelsea are in excellent form, particularly away from home. They won the last three Premier League fixtures on road. The Blues managed to beat Tottenham Hotspur, Burnley and Nottingham Forest as guests. Furthermore, Chelsea have also found the back of the net in all 10 of their away games this season. The absence of Caicedo is a handicap, however I believe Maresca will find a solution for his position. The current form is on Chelsea side.​

Leeds United vs Chelsea Pick: Chelsea to win @ 1.81 with Pinnacle

 

[FadeThePublic]

If anyone here really wants to “prove” they can beat the Premier League, they can do it in the VBookie. That thing does not lie.

No filters, no cherry picked weekends, no “I forgot to count that bad beat”. Every ticket is there, every price is there, long term record is there. You either show profit over a big sample or you are just another guy who had a hot month and a loud opinion.

You can talk all you want in threads, but VBookie is the ultimate measurement of your betting level on this forum. If you are that good, it will show up there. If it never shows up there, you probably are not.

 

[spkutano]

Manchester United vs West Ham United Preview (Thursday) Premier League:

Possible starting lineups:

Manchester United:
Lammens; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Shaw; Diallo, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount; Zirkzee

West Ham:
Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Diouf; Potts, Soucek; Bowen, Fernandes, Guilherme; Wilson

The last seasons were frustrating for Man United fans. The club signed lot of successful coaches, but none of them was able to secure the title. To be worse, two biggest rivals - Liverpool and Manchester City - dominate the English football. The Portuguese tactician Ruben Amorim was brought but the inconsistency remain the biggest problem. The current form is mixed, one win, one draw and one defeat on the last three matches. Manchester United beat Crystal Palace, lost to Everton and drew with Tottenham. The Red Devils are seventh on the table, just three points adrift of third-placed Chelsea. The next period is crucial for Amorim, a series of victories could see Manchester United inside Top-4. But some important players are struggling with injury. Summer signing Benjamin Sesko is sidelined with a knee injury and Harry Maguire is out with a thigh injury. Matheus Cunha, who missed the last two matches with a head injury, is rated as doubtful. Most probably he will start from the bench.

West Ham didn't start the season in best possible way, but some improvement could be noticed since Nuno Espirito Santo took the team. Until Sunday they were unbeaten on the previous three Premier League matches. The Hammers had two victories and one draw. They managed to beat Newcastle and Burnley, while shared the points with Bournemouth. West Ham were also competitive for most of the time against Liverpool, but the quality was on Reds side. On top of that, midfielder Lucas Paqueta was sent off and the fans were confused for his "ridiculous behaviour". Later he tried to explain the situation was a "reflection of everything I've had to endure". As You probably know, a near-two-year Football Association investigation into the Brazil midfielder ended in July when he was cleared of spot-fixing charges by an independent regulatory commission. Paqueta also apologized to his team-mates and fans. He won't play at Old Trafford due to suspension, while Lukasz Fabianski and Oliver Scarles are struggling with injury.

Manchester United vs West Ham United Prediction:

Manchester United should beat West Ham. There are three reasons for my pick. First is connect with the home advantage. Fully packed Old Trafford will be something like Man United's 12th player. The current form of both teams is the second reason. While the Red Devils beat Crystal Palace, West Ham suffered a painful home defeat to Liverpool. And third reason is connect with Lucas Paqueta. The Brazilian was sent-off against Liverpool and he is suspended. I already wrote about his stupid behaviour. However, he is one of key creatives and his absence is a big handicap. I expect Manchester United to win, probably in handicap. In case they win exactly with one goal, Your stake will return.

Manchester United vs West Ham United Pick: Manchester United -1.0 AH @ 1.75 with Pinnacle

 

[spkutano]

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Preview (Saturday) Premier League:

Possible starting lineups:

Aston Villa:
Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Buendia, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins

Arsenal:
Raya; White, Timber, Hincapie, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Merino; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze

This is the most interesting Premier League match this weekend. Aston Villa ended the last season in frustrating way. A big referee's mistake prevent them from playing Champions League football this season. Maybe that was the main reason for the poor performances in the first two months of the new season. Just to remind You, Unai Emery's side failed to score a single goal in the opening four rounds. Nevertheless, Aston Villa are in fantastic form at the moment, winning the last four matches. They managed to beat Bournemouth, Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton. The last match was arguably the most interesting and most efficient, as Aston Villa won 4:3 at Amex. Emery has three injury worries ahead of this match. Ross Barkley and Tyrone Mings are sidelined with knee and thigh injury respectively. The duo is not expected back before the end of the calendar year. The former Gunners goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who was a late withdrawal from the squad to face Brighton with a back injury, is rated as doubtful. The last news from the medical department are not optimistic and Emery has suggested that this match comes too soon for him.

Arsenal are leaders in the Premier League. They have 33 points, five more than second-placed Manchester City and six more than third-placed Aston Villa. According to me, the Gunners are the most consistent side in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta composed a fantastic team and they are very strong at the moment, not only in England, but also in Europe. Arsenal managed to outplay the Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, as well as Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Olympiakos and Slavia Prague. On Wednesday evening they beat 2:0 Brentford, but paid a high price as Cristhian Mosquera suffered injury in the first half, before Declan Rice came off with a calf problem. Both players are rated as doubtful together with William Saliba and Leandro Trossard. Having on mind that Gabriel Magalhaes will not return before Christmas, it is clear Arteta has big problem with central defenders. Finally, Kai Havertz has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee problem and will be out for two or three weeks.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Prediction:

Aston Villa failed to score a single goal in the opening four matches in the Premier League, but since then have scored in all but one game, against Liverpool at Anfield. Arsenal, meanwhile, have scored on all but one game. Interesting, it was again Liverpool and Anfield. However, I expect an efficient derby at Villa Park, with goals at both sides. Aston Villa won 4:3 against Brighton three days ago and the players confidence is very high.

Aston Villa vs Arsenal Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.91 with Bet365